University of Tehran Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine 2251-8894 20 2 2026 03 01 Effects of Metformin on IL-17, IFN-γ, and Sperm Quality in a Rat Model of Chronic Non-bacterial Prostatitis 301 310 103098 10.32598/ijvm.20.2.1005698 EN Salar Nik Student Research Committee, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran. Hamid Reza Moslemi Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran. Mahmood Ahmadi-hamedani Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran. Khatereh Kafshdouzan Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran. Journal Article 2024 12 08 <strong>Background</strong>: Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) is a common, debilitating prostate disorder with no standardized treatment. Metformin (MET), an anti-diabetic medication, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of cytokines.<br /><strong>Objectives</strong>: This study aimed to examine whether MET can modulate inflammatory responses and reproductive parameters in a rat model of CNP induced by carrageenan. <br /><strong>Methods</strong>: A total of 24 8-week-old male Wistar rats were selected and divided into 4 groups: The mock group (group I), CNP-control group (group II), CNP-Cernilton group (group III), and CNP-MET group (group IV). For CNP induction, 1% carrageenan (0.1 mL) was injected intraprostatically into groups II, III, and IV. The rats in groups III and IV received Cernilton (100 mg/kg) and MET (100 mg/kg) orally for three weeks. Prostatic index (PI), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon-γ (IFN‐γ), and sperm parameters (counts, motility, and viability) were compared between groups. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test for normal distributions and the Kruskal-Wallis with Mann-Whitney U test for non-normal distributions. Significance was set at P<0.05.<br /><strong>Results</strong>: There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in PI, serum levels of PSA, IL-17, and IFN‐γ in group II. At the same time, the sperm quality parameters were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in this group. On the other hand, in group IV, a significant decrease (P<0.05) in PI, PSA, IL-17, and IFN-γ levels was observed, and sperm quality parameters improved compared to group II.<br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: MET markedly reduced inflammation and enhanced reproductive parameters in a rat model of CNP. Through lowering PI, inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IFN-γ), and PSA levels, and at the same time enhancing sperm quality, MET proves to be a therapeutic candidate for CNP management.  https://ijvm.ut.ac.ir/article_103098_96dd40eb4d546deaee53ebca74127e42.pdf